Rotary District 7730's GSE

Hindu Temple in North Carolina

Jim Bryan — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:39:39 +0000

Today’s paper had an article about a Hindu temple being built in Cary. Cary is just outside our district, but only about two hours drive. Some of the group members have family there–my brother lived there for a bit and I lived next door in Durham for a while.

It is a Sri Venkateswara Temple, which apparently is pretty rare in the US (some others are in Chicago and New Jersey). There is a video and picture gallery at the newspaper site as well.

Returning to the Real World

Jim Bryan — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:33:01 +0000

My wife and I were at a cafe in Paris and struck up a conversation with the english-speaking couple next to us. Turns out that he was a Rotarian himself. He told us that their GSE outbound group went to Nigeria and had a member kidnapped. She’s safe now, but it was a stark reminder of the world we live in.

Grand Port

Jim Bryan — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:37:27 +0000

For Christian and our friends in Mauritius. We read about the battle at Grand Port while on tour. It said the battle was included in the Arc de Triomphe–so the race was on to find it! It’s the third listed in the picture.

Final (official) stop

Jim Bryan — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:00:53 +0000

We arrived at our final location today, the home of Jean Yves who was the team leader of the group who went to our district.

There was some confusion getting here–the van arrived late and was lost for a couple hours. But we eventually arrived and were very glad to be here. We met family, had lunch and rested. For dinner we went to a chinese restaurant with the Curepipe club. It was a great finish to a great trip.

Tomorrow is the last official day of the trip. There’s talk of going to do some shopping. Maybe some diving for Adam.

On Monday the group separates. Peggy and I (Jim) fly to Paris (Peggy will stay overnight, I’ll stay a few nights). The rest will stay a couple of days elsewhere in Mauritius; Sarah will then head home while the remaining three spend a few days in Paris.

A “normal” day in Mauritius

Jennifer — Sat, 16 May 2009 07:34:22 +0000

A bus ride in to town, shopping, bumper cars, and some grocery shopping at the SuperU. Good times!

Quick update

Sarah — Sat, 16 May 2009 03:29:43 +0000

Things are winding down here in paradise. We gave our final presentation yesterday at the District Conference. Today we are being picked up by the club of Curepipe for our last two official days. Peggy and Jim are leaving bright and early Monday morning and Adam, Allison, Jennifer and I will be leaving Wednesday. We have had an awesome time and are sad that it’s almost over.

Mauritius_5/13

Jennifer — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:34:14 +0000

Thanks to the Club of Port Louis for taking care of us today…

District Conference Opening Ceremony

Jennifer — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:55:42 +0000

All countries in the district were represented with flags and acknowledgments. It was an emotional night for all…

Foosball/babyfoot

Jim Bryan — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:47:45 +0000

I won a game of foosball today. I declare myself the reigning Atlantic-Indian Ocean GSE Foosball Champion.

Black River Club

Jim Bryan — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:19:59 +0000

Thanks to Jocelyn, Jimmy and the rest of the Black River club for their home hospitality. Every had a great time. We appreciated the pace and time with their families.